Google Updates Gmail for iPhone, Android

Google on Tuesday launched an updated Gmail for mobile Web app for the iPhone and Android-based phones that promises an experience similar to your desktop Gmail.

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Google on Tuesday launched an updated Gmail for mobile Web app for the iPhone and Android-based phones that promises an experience similar to your desktop Gmail.

The revamped mobile Gmail includes a "floaty bar" that sits on top of you inbox to allow for easier archiving, deleting, and other functions. You no longer have to select a message and scroll all the way to the top to hit "archive" or "delete" - the floaty bar moves with you as you navigate you inbox.

Google also improved the look of labels and messages to make them look more like the desktop versions, and moved the search bar into the top header.

Google also promised faster speeds, even if the network drops. "You'll still be able to open recently read messages and to compose over a flaky, or non-existent, network connection," Joanne McKinley, an engineer with Google Mobile, wrote in a blog post.

"All this is achieved with aggressive caching and by leveraging new browser technologies, like HTML5 and Gears," McKinley wrote "The full impact of this new architecture isn't visible yet, but it will enable us to significantly improve performance and quickly roll out new features in the near future."

To access the update, go to gmail.com on your mobile browser.

It supports the iPhone and iPod Touch with OS 2.2.1 or above. Those with older firmware will be directed to the previous Gmail for mobile. All Android phones are supported.

It is currently only available in English, and is rolling out throughout the day, so check back if you don't see it immediately, McKinley wrote.

Chloe Albanesius has been with PCMag.com since April 2007, most recently as Executive Editor for News and Features. Prior to that, she worked for a year covering financial IT on Wall Street for Incisive Media. From 2002 to 2005, Chloe covered technology policy for The National Journal's Technology Daily in Washington, DC. She has held internships at NBC's Meet the Press, washingtonpost.com, the Tate Gallery press office in London, Roll Call, and Congressional Quarterly. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from American University...
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